Nursing Elites

1. A patient born in 1955 had hepatitis A infection 1 year ago. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, which action should the nurse include in care when the patient is seen for a routine annual physical exam?

• A. Start the hepatitis B immunization series.
• B. Teach the patient about hepatitis A immune globulin.
• C. Ask whether the patient has been screened for hepatitis C.
• D. Test for anti-hepatitis-A virus immune globulin M (anti-HAV-IgM).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to include in care when the patient is seen for a routine annual physical exam, according to CDC guidelines, is to ask whether the patient has been screened for hepatitis C. CDC guidelines recommend screening patients born between 1945 and 1965 for hepatitis C due to the high prevalence of undiagnosed cases in this age group. Starting the hepatitis B immunization series is not necessary as the patient already had hepatitis A infection. Teaching the patient about hepatitis A immune globulin is not indicated in this scenario. Testing for anti-hepatitis-A virus immune globulin M (anti-HAV-IgM) is not needed as the patient has already had hepatitis A.

2. A patient with bipolar disorder asks the nurse, "Why did I get this illness? I don't want to be sick."? The nurse would best respond with:

• A. People who develop mental illnesses often had a very traumatic childhood experience.
• B. There is some evidence that contracting a virus during childhood can lead to mental disorders.
• C. Sometimes people with mental illness have an overactive immune system.
• D. We don't fully understand the cause, but mental illnesses do seem to run in the family.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct response is, 'We don't fully understand the cause, but mental illnesses do seem to run in the family.' Current research suggests that while genetics play a role in the development of mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, it is not the sole factor. Environmental influences, life experiences, and other non-genetic factors also contribute significantly to the manifestation of mental disorders. Choices A, B, and C provide incorrect information that is not supported by current research. Traumatic childhood experiences, contracting a virus during childhood, and an overactive immune system are not established causes of bipolar disorder or mental illnesses in general.

3. A client needs to give informed consent for electroconvulsive therapy treatments. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Explain the adverse effects the client might experience from the treatment
• B. Verify the client gave consent voluntarily for the treatment
• C. Describe the benefits of the treatment to the client
• D. Outline possible alternatives to the treatment for the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When obtaining informed consent for a procedure like electroconvulsive therapy, the nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure that the client has given consent voluntarily and is capable of making such a decision. While it is essential to provide information on the treatment's benefits, risks, and alternatives, the priority is to verify the client's voluntary consent. Explaining the adverse effects and describing the benefits are important steps in the informed consent process, but the critical step is to confirm the client's voluntary agreement. Outlining possible alternatives to the treatment is also important but comes after ensuring the client's voluntary consent.

4. OSHA has very strict standards for hospital employees who may encounter hazardous materials or patients who have been exposed to them. These regulations include all of the following EXCEPT:

• A. Respiratory protection must be provided to all employees who might be exposed.
• B. Training on respiratory protection must be provided.
• C. Employers must provide personal protective equipment to all employees.
• D. All ED personnel must be trained in decontamination procedures.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: OSHA regulations for hospital employees dealing with hazardous materials or exposed patients require respiratory protection for potentially exposed employees, training on respiratory protection, and the provision of personal protective equipment. However, not all ED personnel are required to be trained in decontamination procedures. While all ED staff should have a basic understanding of hazmat situations, specific training in decontamination procedures is only necessary for those who will be directly involved in the decontamination process. Therefore, the correct answer is that all ED personnel must be trained in decontamination procedures, as this is not a mandatory requirement under OSHA regulations for hospital employees who may encounter hazardous materials or exposed patients.

5. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to maintain the patency of a client's nasogastric tube?

• A. Maintain a constant connection to low-intermittent suction
• B. Irrigate the tube as per physician's order
• C. Suction the mouth and nose every shift
• D. Perform a daily fecal occult blood sample

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to irrigate the tube as per physician's order. A client with a nasogastric tube is at risk of the tube kinking or clotting off, which can lead to complications such as abdominal distention or vomiting. To ensure the patency of the tube, the nurse should follow the physician's orders and facility policy to irrigate the tube with water or a solution as needed. Maintaining a constant connection to low-intermittent suction (Choice A) is not typically done to maintain tube patency. Suctioning the mouth and nose every shift (Choice C) is not directly related to maintaining nasogastric tube patency. Performing a daily fecal occult blood sample (Choice D) is unrelated to maintaining the patency of a nasogastric tube.

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